A safer, more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient Pacific aviation sector is central to the region's prosperity and economic development. It underpins tourism, education, and business opportunities in the Pacific.

Australia is working in partnership with the Pacific, whole-of-government agencies, multilateral organisations, and partner governments to deliver the Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation Program (2023-2028).

What type of aviation support is Australia providing?

Partnering with Pacific governments, aviation authorities, airports and airlines, Australia is supporting:

• Development of more harmonised aviation strategies, policies and regulation
• Aviation skills, education and training
• Development of airports as economic gateways, including through commercial and sustainable master planning support
• Capacity building through technical assistance and strategic planning
• Strengthened aviation meteorological capabilities through new observing infrastructure, training for forecasters and peer-to-peer support
• Enhanced gender equality, disability inclusion, and environmental sustainability in the Pacific aviation sector
• Facilitation of regional partnerships
• Promoting intra-Pacific connectivity
   

Australia's Pacific Flights Program

A key area of Australia's support is delivered through the Pacific Flights Program. In 2020, the Pacific Flights Program was established to facilitate regular commercial flights to mitigate the economic and humanitarian impacts of COVID-19. This support enabled the transportation of essential supplies, vaccines, and the movement of people including healthcare workers.
 

Post-COVID-19, the Pacific Flights Program continues under the Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation Program. It now focuses on economic recovery and growth in the Pacific through supporting strategic, targeted connectivity.

Australia's support for aviation education, skills and training

The Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation Program is seeking interested candidates from the Pacific to undertake aviation education, skills and training opportunities in Fiji and Australia. For more information, please contact your local Australian High Commission.

Empowering Women in Pacific Aviation: Dr Vinolia Salesi's Inspirational Journey

In her role as Director for Aviation and Safety Oversight within Tonga's Ministry of Infrastructure, Dr Vinolia Salesi passionately advocates for the pivotal role of the aviation sector in shaping the Pacific region's future.

"I'm very passionate about the role that the aviation sector makes to the economy as a whole," Vinolia says, "This is one of the best career paths you can take. It's interesting, it's very diverse."

Since completing her first degree in Aviation Management in 2003, she has navigated various roles, supported by the Australian Government's sponsorship for a master's degree in Issues Management in 2010 through Griffith University. In 2022, Vinolia became the first person from the Pacific to receive a PhD in Aviation, a phenomenal achievement and making her a great asset to Tonga.

On the journey to her current role, Vinolia completed a work placement in Brisbane with Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority, became a Safety Operations Officer within Tonga's Ministry of Transport, and a Senior Civil Aviation Officer within the Ministry of Infrastructure.
 

Encouraging more women to join the sector, Vinolia emphasises the diverse career paths available, ranging from becoming a pilot or air traffic controller to contributing to aeronautical information services.

"It's very interesting, very challenging. Aviation supports everyday lives. Yes, it enables people to visit their family and friends, but it's about far more. Because right now we travel by air to get an education, it develops home-grown leaders in our region. Aviation brings medical teams from Australia, something that was just so important through COVID-19."

Vinolia believes that now is an excellent time for women to enter the field, with a range of supported opportunities.

Contact

Australian-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation Program
Pacific Aviation Section
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
RG Casey Building
John McEwen Crescent
Barton ACT 0221